Last fall, a Tampa, Florida, family had to evacuate their home when a faulty surge protector caught fire. Tragically, their dog, their home, and most of their belongings were lost in the disaster, though firefighters were fortunately able to rescue their four cats.
Sadly, this is not an unusual occurrence. Failing or malfunctioning surge protectors are one of the most common causes of household fires and related injuries each year, according to data collected by the National Fire Protection Association between 2016 and 2020.
In ideal circumstances, a surge protector can help protect your electronics from harmful power surges. But when used incorrectly, they can create just as many problems as they solve. Here’s what you should know to make the most of this frequently overlooked and misunderstood household appliance.
